Hunting accidents easily avoidable

November 17, 2006|LOUIE STOUT Tribune Correspondent

If you're headed out for Saturday's deer gun season opener, take time to review safety measures. They could save you or a hunting partner from a tragedy. "These tips form a basic foundation for good firearms safety," said public information officer J.P. Salb. "When hunters practice these tips, they increase their chances significantly for an accident free hunt." Salb encourages people who hunt from elevated stands or platforms to use safety harnesses. Falls from elevated stands or platforms have been the leading cause of hunting accidents. Here are more examples of how to prevent accidents:

Treat every firearm with the same respect due a loaded firearm.

Control the direction of your firearm's muzzle. Carry your firearm safely, keeping the safety on until ready to shoot. Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.

Identify your target and what's beyond it. Know the identifying features of the game you hunt.

Be sure the barrel and action are clear of obstructions and that you have only ammunition of the proper size for the firearms you are carrying.

Unload firearms when not in use. Leave the actions open. Firearms should be carried unloaded when traveling to and from shooting areas.

Never point a firearm at anything you do not want to shoot. Avoid all horseplay with a firearm.

Never climb a fence or tree, jump a ditch or log, with a loaded firearm. Never pull a firearm toward you by the muzzle.

Never shoot a bullet at a flat, hard surface or water. During target practice, be sure your backstop is adequate.

Store firearms and ammunition separately beyond the reach of children and careless adults.

Avoid alcoholic beverages or other mood-altering drugs before or while hunting or shooting.

Fishing report Hunting season and bad weather have slowed fishing activity, but those getting out are catching fish. Indiana Lake Michigan biologist Brian Breidert said steelhead fishing is improving on the St. Joseph River. The best areas have been Twin Branch and Lincoln Park for shore and boat anglers. "The largest fish we've heard about recently was a 14.3-pound male caught at Zappia Park," Breidert said. "Also, fly fishermen have done fairly well at Zappia with the black flies tipped with meal worms." Breidert said good catches continue to show up in Trail Creek at the Michigan City harbor where fresh winter steelhead are entering the stream. Shrimp and crawlers under a float have been the best producers. "There are still a few salmon being taken in the creeks but most of the catch is consisting of steelhead with a few browns mixed in," he added. "Brown trout action has been good at the Port of Indiana and Burns Ditch area. Some lakers breaking 22 pounds have been taken. Body baits and blue/silver spoons have been good producers." Elsewhere, Greg Smith of the Trading Post said die-hard panfishermen are catching big fish on lakes like Zimmy Long, Cory, and Diamond. "Lots of real nice perch and bluegills are being caught in deep water by the guys who are getting out," he said. "Wigglers and minnows are taking the perch and wax worms and spikes are producing the bluegill." Robert Evans of Niles called to report that lakes that have walleye are producing good action on half-ounce Silver Buddies fished vertically along the first drop off near shore.